2. HISTORY
Once home to fierce Vikings
Raided Europe and Mediterranean in Middle Ages
Used longboats to attack villages along coasts and rivers
Conquered British Isles, Finland, part of France, Germany, and Russia
800s & 900s
Vikings est. settlements in Iceland and Greenland
1st Europeans to reach North America; led by Leif Eriksson
1100s
Raids ended
Scandinavian chiefs strengthened kingdoms
Norway, Sweden, & Denmark were most powerful
1300s
Denmark ruled a union of Scandinavian kingdoms and territories
Eventually power challenged by Sweden
1900s
Scandinavian countries wanted their independence
Today all but Greenland are independent countries
Greenland remains part of Denmark as a self-ruling territory
3. SCANDINAVIA TODAY
Countries are similar
Same political views, language, and religion
Wealthy cities, strong economies, and well educated
workers
High standards of living & health care
All peaceful, stable, and prosperous nations
4. SWEDEN
Largest & most
populous
Most live in cities &
towns
For 200 years has
been neutral country
Play active role in U.N.
and E.U.
5. DENMARK
Once most powerful &
smallest
Most densely
populated
50% of land used for
farming
Meat & dairy products
are important exports
Modern industrial
economy
Food processing,
machinery, furniture, &
electronics
6. GREENLAND
Part of North America
Territory of Denmark
80% covered by thick
ice
Interior of country is
uninhabitable
Live mostly along
southwestern coast in
tundra climate
Recent movement for
independence
Economic problems
make it unlikely
7. NORWAY
Long, narrow, & rugged
country
Valuable resources
Oil & natural gas
Major fishing & shipping
country
Fjords shelter harbors
Citizens have refused to gain
E.U.
8. FINLAND
Lies between Sweden
and Russia
Trade is important
Produces paper
products & forest
products
Ship building and
electronics
9. ICELAND
Greener than name
implies
Fertile farmland
Produce potatoes and
vegetables
Supports cattle and
sheep
70% of exports are fish
Hot water from geysers
heats homes &
greenhouses